Vacuum filling assembly and corresponding system and method

ABSTRACT

A vacuum filling assembly for filling the cavities of packaging with objects, as well as a related system and method, are described. The filling assembly has a handle which can be gripped by a user so as to manually operate the filling assembly. The filling assembly also has a manifold which receives suction, such as from a vacuum supply. A valve is used to control the suction applied to the objects, and is operable between a retain and release configuration. The filling assembly also has a plurality of prongs which are in fluid engagement with the manifold so that the objects are retained at the end of the prongs when the valve is in the retain configuration, and so that the objects can be released into the cavities of the packaging when the valve is in the release configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to filling packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, as well as to a corresponding method and system for doing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging for small consumer goods, there exists different ways to fill such packaging which protects the goods during transport, distribution, and sale to the ultimate consumer of the goods. One example of such packaging is the blister pack or blister card, which is a term used for various types of pre-formed plastic packaging.

In the pharmaceutical field, as but one example of a field in which blister packs are used, the pockets of the blister pack are filled with medication, tablets, or pills. The pockets are then sealed so that the tablets are protected from the elements and secured within the pockets. The blister packs can be filled with the tablets using any conventional means.

Often, a professional such as a pharmacist will manually fill each pocket of the blister pack with a corresponding tablet, or with many different tablets for a same dosage period. It can be appreciated that one disadvantage associated with this technique is that it takes a long time to fill all the pockets of the blister pack, especially when filling out a prescription of medication for a long duration. It may further disadvantageously lead to human errors by placing the incorrect tablet in a corresponding pocket.

Other techniques for filling a blister pack exist as well. One example includes the system produced by Synergie Médicate BRG inc., commercialised under the trade-mark SynMed. This automated system eliminates many of the repetitive tasks which must be performed by a user, and employs a suction system. The website for the system (http://www.synmedrx.com) describes it as follows:

-   “Thanks to a suction pipette principle, the machine lifts the     medications out of their compartments and drops them into the     blisters. Seven tubes corresponding to the seven rows on a blister     card, on which each row is identified with the seven days of the     week, are individually activated by pneumatic valves and guided by     optical sensors. The medications are dispensed with precision and in     accordance with the prescription specifications.”

Some drawbacks associated with automated systems may include: a) they may be too costly to install or operate for smaller pharmacies; b) they occupy valuable space within a pharmacy; c) they may require complicated migration and installation of information technology to manage and control operations; d) theft operation cannot be easily visually inspected by a pharmacist; e) they can be relatively complicated machines to operate and maintain; and f) etc.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the above-mentioned prior art drawbacks.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the filling assembly comprising:

a handle;

a manifold mounted about the handle for receiving suction;

a valve operatively connected to the manifold and manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the manifold, and a release configuration wherein the valve is in a closed position and the manifold is free of suction; and

a plurality of prongs in fluid engagement with the manifold and extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a corresponding object upon the valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging.

In some embodiments, the manifold is oriented horizontally and has an outlet through which suction is applied and a plurality of inlets, each inlet being in fluid engagement with a corresponding prong. In such an embodiment, the valve can be mounted to the manifold between the outlet and the plurality of inlets.

In some embodiments, the manifold is oriented vertically and has an outlet through which suction is applied and an inlet in fluid engagement with the plurality of prongs. In such an embodiment, the valve is mounted to the manifold between the inlet and the outlet.

In some embodiments, the valve has a cylinder rotatably mounted within the manifold and rotatable between the retain and release configurations, and a tab extending from the cylinder for rotating the cylinder. The valve may also have a push button with a spring.

In some embodiments, the plurality of prongs are mounted to the manifold and spaced apart from one another such that each prong releases an object into a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in the release configuration. Optionally, the plurality of prongs are mounted to the manifold and spaced equidistantly from each other along a length of the manifold.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the method comprising the steps of:

a) supplying suction to at least one prong;

b) retaining at least one of the objects with the at least one prong via suction;

c) placing the at least one prong and the retained at least one object over a corresponding cavity of the packaging; and

d) releasing the at least one object into the corresponding cavity, thereby filling the packaging.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, comprising:

a container for receiving and containing the objects therein;

a vacuum supply for generating suction; and

a filling assembly comprising:

-   -   a handle;     -   a manifold mounted about the handle and in fluid engagement with         the vacuum supply for receiving suction;     -   a valve operatively connected to the manifold and manually         operable between a retain configuration wherein the valve is in         an open position and suction is supplied to the manifold, and a         release configuration wherein the valve is in a closed position         and the manifold is free of suction; and     -   a plurality of prongs in fluid engagement with the manifold and         extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction         to a corresponding object in the container upon the valve being         in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and         each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a         corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in         the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging.

The components, advantages and other features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some optional configurations, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing some components of a system for filling a package, including a filling assembly, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filling assembly, according to another optional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a valve for a filling assembly, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 3D are top, first side, and second side views, respectively, of the valve shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a filling assembly, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of the filling assembly shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible tubing and biasing element for a filling assembly, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a filling assembly with an adapter for retaining small objects according to another optional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a filling assembly with the adapter of FIG. 6 positioned in a stowage configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Furthermore, although the present invention may be used with various objects, such as pills, for example, and as a result, is sometimes described in the context of the present invention as being use to fill a blister pack with pills, it is understood that it may be used with other objects, and to fill other types of packaging. For this reason, expressions such as “pill”, “medicine”, “pharmacist”, “prescription”, “pharmacy”, etc. as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention to the filling of blister packs and/or medicinal pills in particular. These expressions encompass all other kinds of materials, objects and/or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, as can be easily understood.

Broadly described, the vacuum filling assembly 10, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1, is an article which, in some of its configurations, enhances the ability of a person to quickly and accurately fill a packaging 12 with objects 14.

The filling assembly 10 can be any device, system, or mechanism whose collection of parts allows a packaging 12 to be filled with objects 14. In most embodiments, but not necessarily all, the filling assembly 10 can be manually manipulated by a hand of a user, such as a pharmacist. Alternatively, the filling assembly 10, its components, and/or its operation can be automated. The filling assembly 10 and its components can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the filling assembly 10 and its components are made of plastic, thereby advantageously reducing the weight of the filling assembly and allowing it to be more easily handled.

As will be further explained below, the filling assembly 10 may be held and manipulated by a single hand of the user, thereby advantageously freeing the user's other hand to be used as desired. It may be desirable to fill the packaging 12 for any number of reasons. For example, the packaging 12 could constitute a supply of medicine for a patient, and it is thus desirable to fill the packaging 12 with the prescribed medicine. In another example, it can be desirable to fill a packaging with perishable food objects and to seal the same so as to preserve the perishable food objects.

It can thus be appreciated that the packaging can take any suitable shape or configuration so as to respond to the different types of objects 14 and purposes with which, and for which, the packaging 12 can be filled. The packaging 12 has a plurality of cavities 16 for receiving the objects 14. In the optional embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the packaging 12 is a blister pack, and the objects 14 are pills. Since the purpose of such packaging 12 is to provide medication to a patient, the packaging 12 has seven rows of cavities 16 corresponding to the seven days of the week, as well as four columns of cavities 16 corresponding to the four intake times of a day (e.g. morning, noon, evening, and bedtime). In another possible embodiment, the packaging 12 has eight rows of cavities 16, and four columns of cavities 16. Other configurations and shapes for the packaging 12 are possible.

The filling assembly 10 has a handle 18, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The handle 18 can be any part of the filling assembly 10 which can be easily and ergonomically held by one, or both, hands of the user of the filling assembly 10. The handle 18 can have grooves, textures, or other friction enhancers so as to improve the grip of the user's hands.

The filling assembly 10 also has a manifold 20, an example of which is also shown in FIG. 1. The manifold 20 receives the vacuum from a vacuum supply, which is further described below, and supplies suction or vacuum to the plurality of prongs, as also explained below. As such, the manifold 20 can be any chamber, pipe, conduit, etc. having one or more intakes or exits used to collect and distribute a fluid, which is air in most embodiments. It can thus be appreciated that the manifold 20 can have a different shape or configuration than the one shown in FIG. 1.

The manifold 20 is mounted about the handle 18 so as to receive suction. The expression “mounted about” refers to the positioning of the manifold 20 with respect to the handle 18 in that the manifold 20 can be mounted directly to, or adjacent with, the handle 18. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the manifold 20 is mounted to the handle 18 and thus forms an extension of the handle 18. In another possible configuration, the manifold 20 can be mounted to the handle 18 and extend vertically downward therefrom. In yet another possible configuration, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2, the manifold 20 can be mounted to the handle 18 such that they are integral with one another—i.e. the handle 18 forms the exterior surface of the manifold 20. It will thus be appreciated that many different configurations of the manifold 20 being mounted to the handle 18 are possible.

The manifold 20 receives suction. The term “suction” refers to the force acting upon the objects 14 due to the pressure difference between the interior of the manifold 20 and the surrounding environment. For example, in most embodiments, the vacuum supply will cause the manifold 20 to have a lower pressure than atmosphere. This will cause air to be drawn into the manifold 20, thereby producing the suction, or force, which retains the objects 14 against the prongs, as further explained below. The manifold 20 may thus form a closed or sealed connection with the vacuum supply so as to advantageously improve the suction applied to the objects 14.

The filling assembly 10 also includes a valve 30, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The valve 30 is operatively connected to the manifold 20 such that it can control the suction received and supplied by the manifold 20, thereby advantageously allowing the user to better control the retention and release of the objects 14. The expression “operatively connected” refers to the link between the valve 30 and the manifold 20 such that the manipulation or movement of the valve 30 affects the suction received and supplied by the manifold 20. The valve 30 can operate automatically, or can be manipulated by a user. In most embodiments, but not necessarily all, the valve 30 is connected to the manifold 20 so that only one of the user's hands is required to manipulate it. This advantageously frees up the other of the user's hands to perform other tasks.

This link between the valve 30 and the manifold 20 can therefore take many different forms and configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the valve 30 is rotatably mounted between the handle 18 and the manifold 20 such that the rotation of the valve 30 prevents or allows the suction to be received in the manifold 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the valve 30 can be mounted directly to the manifold 20 and manipulated to affect the suction supplied to the prongs. In some embodiments, the valve 30 can be operatively connected to the manifold 20 so that it can be manipulated by one of the user's hands.

The valve 30 can be operated between two configurations: a retain configuration and a release configuration. In the retain configuration, the valve 30 is in an open position and the suction is supplied In the manifold 20, and thus to the prongs. The expression “open position” refers to the orientation of the valve 30 and/or one of its components such that the suction can be transmitted to, and received in, the manifold 20. In the release configuration, the valve 30 is in a closed position and the manifold 20 does not receive any suction. The expression “closed position” refers to the orientation of the valve 30 and/or one of its components such that the suction is no longer received in the manifold 20, and thus no longer acts on the objects 14. In some embodiments, the force acting on the objects 14 can be varied by operating the valve 30 between the open and closed positions, thereby advantageously allowing the user to adjust the suction as required.

In some embodiments, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the valve 30 includes a cylinder 32 rotatably mounted within the manifold such that it can be rotated between the retain and release configurations. The cylinder 32 can be a hollow tube or conduit having openings 34. The rotation of the cylinder 32 within the manifold moves the openings 34 so that they can allow the communication of the fluid, thereby permitting or preventing the suction from being received in the manifold 20. The rotation of the cylinder 32 can be accomplished by using a tab 36, which the user can manipulate with her fingers so as to move the cylinder 32, and thus the valve 30, between the retain and release configurations. In some embodiments, the valve 30 can include a push button with a spring, or an electric or other type of valve 30. It can thus be appreciated that many different types of valves 30 can be used to control the suction received and supplied by the manifold.

The filing assembly 10 also includes a plurality of prongs 40, examples of which are also shown in FIG. 1. The prongs 40 interact with the objects 14 so as to retain them, and so as to release them into the cavities 16 of the packaging 12. One or all of the prongs 40 applies the suction supplied from the manifold 20 to one or more objects 14, and holds these objects 14 until the manifold no longer applies sufficient suction to continue retaining these objects 14. As such, the prongs 40 can be of any suitable shape or configuration so as to accomplish such functionality.

In most embodiments, but not necessarily all, each prong 40 is a hollow and elongated part which extends away from the manifold 20. Each prong 40 has a first end 42 which applies the suction to the object 14 and is in contact therewith. Each prong 40 also has a second end 44 in fluid engagement with the manifold 20. The shape and configuration of each prong 40 can vary. In some embodiments, each prong 40 can be a nozzle, which may advantageously allow the suction to be applied to the object 14 more efficiently. The size and configuration of the first end 42 can vary depending on numerous factors such as, but not limited to: the nature of the objects 14 to be retained; the available suction to be applied, the nature of the cavities 16 into which the objects 14 are released, etc.

Each prong 40 is in fluid engagement with the manifold 20. The expression “fluid engagement” refers to the ability of the each prong 40 to receive the suction supplied by the manifold 20, and to apply that suction against corresponding one or more objects 14. In most embodiments, the hollow nature of each prong 40 allows the fluid (e.g. air) to flow freely between the outside of the prong 40, through the body of the prong 40, and into the manifold 20.

The operation of each prong 40 may be as follows. When the valve 30 is in the retain configuration (i.e. the valve 30 is in the open position), fluid is drawn through the body of the prong 40 and into the manifold 20, thereby generating suction. The prong 40 can therefore apply the suction to a corresponding object 14, thereby retaining the object 14. When the valve 30 is in the release configuration (i.e. the valve is in the closed position), fluid is prevented from being drawn through the body of the prong 40 and into the manifold 20, and suction cannot therefore be produced. The object 14 which was being retained by the prong 40 can therefore be released into a cavity 16 of the packaging 12, thereby filling the packaging 12. The object 14 can also be released by the prong 40 when the suction applied to the object 14 is not sufficient to retain it against the prong 40.

In some embodiments, the prongs 40 are mounted to the manifold 20 and spaced apart from one another so that each prong 40 can release the object 14 it retains directly into a corresponding cavity 16 of the packaging 12 when the valve 30 is in the release configuration. This optional configuration is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, seven prongs 40 are mounted to the manifold 20, and spaced from each other such that each prong 40 can release its retained object 14 into a corresponding one of the seven rows of cavities 16. It will be appreciated that the number of prongs 40 in fluid engagement with the manifold 20 can be more or less than seven. Indeed, there may be at least two prongs 40 so as to create packaging 12 or blister packs for shorter durations (e.g. 2, 3, or 4 days). The prongs 40 can also be spaced equidistantly from one another when mounted to the manifold 20. Such a mounting of the prongs 40 may advantageously better help in distributing the suction supplied by the manifold 20 among the multiple prongs 40.

In some embodiments, the orientation of the manifold 20, and thus of the filling assembly 10, can be varied so as to be better adapted to the ergonomic needs of the user.

In the embodiment exemplified in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the manifold 20 can be held such that it is oriented horizontally when in use, and the prongs 40 project vertically away from the manifold 20. The manifold 20 in this configuration has an outlet 22 through which fluid is drawn out of the manifold 20, thereby creating the suction. The manifold 20 may also have a plurality of inlets 24 through which fluid is drawn into the manifold 20 from the surrounding environment. Each inlet 24 can be in fluid engagement with a corresponding prong 40.

In the embodiment exemplified in FIG. 2, the manifold 20 is oriented vertically, and the prongs 40 can project vertically away from the manifold 20 when is in use. The manifold 20 in this configuration has an outlet 22 through which fluid is drawn out of the manifold 20, thereby creating the suction. The manifold 20 may also have an inlet 24 through which fluid is drawn into the manifold 20 from the surrounding environment. The inlet 24 can be in fluid engagement with the plurality of prongs 40. In such a configuration, the valve 30 may be mounted to the manifold 20 between the outlet 22 and the inlet 24 so as to be more easily manipulated by one hand of the user. Further optionally, such a vertical orientation of the manifold 20, and thus of the filling assembly 10, can have a flexible tubing 26 mounted to the outlet 22 so as to supply the suction, as exemplified in FIG. 5. The flexible tubing 26 can be mounted at its other end to a vacuum supply, for example, which draws fluid out of the flexible tubing 26 and out of the manifold 20, thus supplying the suction. In order to better assist the user in supporting the weight of such a vertical filling assembly, the filling assembly can also include a biasing element 28, such as a spring, mounted about the flexible tubing 26.

According to another aspect, there is provided a system 50 for filling the cavities 16 of a packaging 12 with objects 14, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The system 50 can be supplied as a kit or assembly of the components described herein to the user and put together on site.

The system 50 has a container 52, which can take any suitable shape or form, and which can be made of any suitable material (e.g. plastics, metals, etc.). The container 52 receives and contains the objects 14 which are intended to fill the cavities 16 of the packaging. The prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10 can thus retrieve and retain the objects 14 from the container 52. The system 50 also has a vacuum supply 54. The vacuum supply 54 can be any suitable pump, generator, or motor in fluid engagement with the fluid assembly 10 so as to draw fluid (e.g. air) from the fluid assembly 10 so as to generate the suction required to retain the objects 14. The system 50 also has at least one filling assembly 10, such as the one described above.

In some embodiments, the system 50 includes one or more filling assemblies 10, each one of which is in fluid engagement with the vacuum supply 54. This embodiment can advantageously allow one operation, such as a pharmacy, to provide each of its users (e.g. pharmacists) with their own filling assembly 10, thereby advantageously increasing their efficiency. It can thus be appreciated that the system 50 can be portable so as to set up wherever required (e.g. field hospital, pharmacy, indoors, outdoors, etc.).

According to another aspect, and referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is provided a method for filling the cavities 16 of the packaging 12 with objects 14.

The method includes the step of supplying suction to one or more prongs 40. The suction can be supplied by activating a vacuum supply 54, as explained above, which draws air through the prongs 40, thereby creating the suction.

The method also includes the step of retaining at least one of the objects 14 with one or more prongs 40 via suction. This step may be performed when the user, a pharmacist for example, receives the prescription from the patient. In order to fill the prescription, the pharmacist can supply the suction to the prongs 40 so that they retain the objects 14 (e.g. pills) with the prongs 40.

The method also includes the step of placing the one or more prongs 40, with the objects 14 being retained by them, over the cavities 16 of the packaging 12. Continuing with the example of a pharmacist user, once she has retained the objects 14 via suction, she can release or deposit them in the cavities 16 of the blister pack, for example. This is achieved by placing the prongs 40 over the corresponding cavities 16.

The method also includes the step of releasing the one or more objects 14 into the cavities 16 of the packaging 12, thereby filling the packaging 12. The releasing of the objects 14 from the prongs 40 can be performed using different techniques. In some embodiments, the user can stop the supply of suction to the one or more prongs 40, thereby causing the objects 14 to fall into the cavities 16 via gravity. In some embodiments, the user can impart a force to the objects 14 so that they are removed from the prongs 40 and fall into the cavities 16.

In light of the preceding, it can be appreciated that the present invention can provide advantages in that, by virtue of its design and components, the filling assembly 10, system 50, and method may provide a simple, manually-operable, and affordable technique for assisting users, such as pharmacists, to better fill packaging with the objects. In so doing, the present invention helps to reduce the complexity and difficulty associated with filling a prescription, for example, further improving the efficiency of its users.

Moreover, the handle 18 provides an ergonomic and easy to grip surface for holding the filling assembly 10 both before and during its operation. The manifold 20 may also allow for more efficient generation and distribution of the suction produced by the vacuum supply 54.

Furthermore, the valve 30 allows for a relatively simple and easy control of the suction provided to the prongs 40, and can be relatively easily manipulated by only one of the user's hands. This manipulability advantageously may allow the user to more easily retain and release the objects 14.

In add on, the prongs 40 allow for many objects 14, and many different types of objects 14, to be retained in a single pass. Such efficiency may allow a user to fill more packages per unit of time, thereby increasing her efficiency.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, an adapter 60 may be added to the system in order to retain smaller objects that are not easily retained through the plurality of prongs 40. The adapter includes a plurality of secondary prongs 62 that are shaped and sized to be removably connectable to the extremities 64 of the plurality of prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10, thus creating an additional fluid connection therewith. The outlets at the extremities of the secondary prongs 62 are therefore smaller in size than the outlets of the extremities 64 of the prongs of the filling assembly.

As better shown in FIG. 7, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the adapter 60 can further comprise connecting members 66 for removable connection of the adapter to necks 68 of the prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10. In FIG. 7, the connecting members 66 are ring elements, but any other equivalent type of connector may be used.

Hence, the above-described adapter can be used when the prongs of the filling assembly are designed to retain standard-sized pills for example but then the user wishes to use the assembly with smaller-sized pills. The adapter can thus be easily installed and removed when manipulating differently sized pills.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the filling assembly comprising: a handle; a manifold mounted about the handle for receiving suction; a valve operatively connected to the manifold and manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the manifold, and a release configuration wherein the valve is in a closed position and the manifold is free of suction; and a plurality of prongs in fluid engagement with the manifold and extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a corresponding object upon the valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging.
 2. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the manifold is oriented horizontally and comprises an outlet and a plurality of inlets, each inlet being in fluid engagement with a corresponding prong.
 3. A filling assembly according to claim 2, wherein the valve is operatively connected to the handle and the outlet of the manifold.
 4. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the manifold is oriented vertically and comprises an outlet, and an inlet in fluid engagement with the plurality of prongs.
 5. A filling assembly according to claim 4, wherein the valve is operatively connected to the manifold between the outlet and the inlet.
 6. A filling assembly according to claim 4, comprising a flexible tubing mounted to the outlet of the manifold for supplying suction, and further comprising a biasing element mounted about the flexible tubing for supporting the filling assembly.
 7. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a cylinder rotatably mounted within the manifold and rotatable between the retain and release configurations, and a tab extending from the cylinder for rotating the cylinder.
 8. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a push button with a spring.
 9. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs are mounted to the manifold and spaced apart from one another such that each prong releases an object into a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in the release configuration.
 10. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs are mounted to the manifold and spaced equidistantly from each other along a length of the manifold.
 11. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of prongs is a nozzle extending from the manifold.
 12. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs comprises at least two prongs.
 13. A filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the packaging is a blister pack.
 14. A method for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the method comprising the steps of: a) supplying suction to at least one prong; b) retaining at least one of the objects with the at least one prong via suction; c) placing the at least one prong and the retained at least one object over a corresponding cavity of the packaging; and d) releasing the at least one object into the corresponding cavity, thereby filling the packaging.
 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein step d) comprises stopping the supply of suction to the at least one prong.
 16. A system for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, comprising: a container for receiving and containing the objects therein; a vacuum supply for generating suction; and a filling assembly comprising: a handle; a manifold mounted about the handle and in fluid engagement with the vacuum supply for receiving suction; a valve operatively connected to the manifold and manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the manifold, and a release configuration wherein the valve is in a closed position and the manifold is free of suction; and a plurality of prongs in fluid engagement with the manifold and extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a corresponding object in the container upon the valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging.
 17. A system according to claim 16, further comprising a plurality of filling assemblies, the manifold of each filling assembly being in fluid engagement with the vacuum supply.
 18. A system according to claim 16, further comprising at least one conduit removably mountable to the manifold and the vacuum supply.
 19. A system according to claim 16, wherein the manifold is oriented horizontally and comprises an outlet and a plurality of inlets, each inlet being in fluid engagement with a corresponding prong.
 20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the valve is operatively connected to the handle and the outlet of the manifold.
 21. A system according to claim 16, wherein the manifold is oriented vertically and comprises an outlet, and an inlet in fluid engagement with the plurality of prongs.
 22. A system according to claim 21, wherein the valve is operatively connected to the manifold between the outlet and the inlet.
 23. A system according to claim 21, comprising a flexible tubing mounted to the outlet of the manifold for supplying suction, and further comprising a biasing element mounted about the flexible tubing for supporting the filling assembly.
 24. A system according to claim 16, wherein the valve comprises a cylinder rotatably mounted within the manifold and rotatable between the retain and release configurations, and a tab extending from the cylinder for rotating the cylinder.
 25. A system according to claim 16, wherein the valve comprises a push button with a spring.
 26. A system according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of prongs are mounted to the manifold and spaced apart from one another such that each prong releases an object into a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the valve being in the release configuration.
 27. A system according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of prongs are mounted to the manifold and spaced equidistantly from each other along a length of the manifold.
 28. A system according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of prongs is a nozzle extending from the manifold.
 29. A system according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of prongs comprises at least two prongs.
 30. A system according to claim 16, wherein the packaging is a blister pack.
 31. A filling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an adapter comprising a plurality of secondary prongs that are shaped and sized to be removably connectable to extremities of the plurality of prongs of the filling assembly, thus creating an additional fluid connection therewith, wherein outlets at extremities of the secondary prongs are smaller in size than outlets of the extremities of the prongs of the filling assembly.
 32. A filling assembly according to claim 31, wherein the adapter further comprises connecting members for removable connection of the adapter to necks of the prongs of the filling assembly.
 33. A system according to claim 16, further comprising an adapter comprising a plurality of secondary prongs that are shaped and sized to be removably connectable to extremities of the plurality of prongs of the filling assembly, thus creating an additional fluid connection therewith, wherein outlets at extremities of the secondary prongs are smaller in size than outlets of the extremities of the prongs of the filling assembly.
 34. A system according to claim 33, wherein the adapter further comprises connecting members for removable connection of the adapter to necks of the prongs of the filling assembly. 